by Slade Tanner


Sarasota beach homes are located on the west coast between Fort Myers and Tampa Bay. The area itself beckons water lovers to live in this quaint coastal town. With a long history that is celebrated, a sense of community is created.

Transforming the former name of Zara Zote to Sarasote, this continually populated area has been home to many cultures. From native Indians, to the Spanish and Cuban people, all have enjoyed the bounty found in the bay and the mild winters. This area became a United States territory in the early 1800s and was made a state by the mid-1800s.

The middle 1800s brought land developers to the area. Mr. J. Gillespie, known as the founding father and first mayor, started building the town. As a Scotsman, he built a nine-hole golf course, one of the first in the U. S., to this coastal town. The Wilson's started the first newspaper, and Owen Burns, was instrumental in building infrastructure and landmarks.

Bucking the traditional female role, Bertha Palmer became the largest owner of land in the area. She developed large scale farming and grew it into a profitable business. She was also a bank owner and brought winter vacationers to the town. Though originally they came to the coastal town as vacationers, the Ringling Brothers, of circus fame, also invested in the coastal hamlet and eventually moved the circus to here for the winter months.

The circus holds a special place in the area. The oldest youth circus has been performing locally since 1949. The program started as a way for school-aged children to learn how to perform the circus acts. It also has a summer program for younger or interested children.

A great way to honor the lure of the beach is two annual sand sculpture contests. One is for the amateurs and one for the masters. The early fall brings in the professionals for a four-day event that takes sand castle building to new heights. A nice monetary prize is awarded.

For a nearly two-week period in April a local film festival celebrates indie films. This event doesn't skimp on the party scene, either. To bring the community into the fun, free workshops are offered to introduce the art of film making to those who are interested.

Sarasota beach homes will give you a great place to hang your hat. The community will entice and interest you, while the history of the town will gently nudge you. Browse the web to see the available real estate and contact an agency to find your next home.




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